Lawmakers in Washington state are now considering a bill that would create a new class of cannabis business permit for event organizers who want to include cannabis consumption areas.
The measure, House Bill 1932, would allow organizers to hold up to one three-day event per month at which visitors could legally smoke marijuana, all under the purview of the state’s Liquor and Cannabis Board, NBC Right Now reported.
Rep. Melanie Morgan, the prime sponsor of the bill, said it’s primarily a public safety measure, designed to give legal marijuana purchasers a legal place to consumer other than a private home.
“It strengthens consumer protections by mandating compliance with the liquor and cannabis board regulations ensuring proper labeling (and) inhibits the sale and use of alcohol, tobacco and non-cannabis vapor products at these events. It also creates economic opportunities, especially for small businesses and social equity applicants,” Morgan said during a committee hearing on the bill last week.
The measure would also set up a new training program for budtenders to properly staff such events.
The bill drew opposition, however, from the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, NBC Right Now reported, which asserted that allowing such events would only add to the number of marijuana-impaired drivers.
The bill is awaiting action by the House Committee on Consumer Protection and Business.
[[{“value”:”The bill has drawn opposition from the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.
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